Nichols College (NC)

Nichols College inspires students to capitalize on their ambitions and prepares them to become impactful, forward-thinking leaders. Specializing in business education, Nichols academics are broad-based and career-focused. Students develop in-demand skills and graduate ready for success on day one of their careers, and beyond.

To create a transformative educational experience that prepares graduates for lifelong success, Nichols provides its students with a curriculum that is enhanced with real-world learning and professional development. The College boasts a vibrant campus community with outstanding facilities and easy access to world-class arts, culture, business and recreation; an alumni network more than 15,000 strong; and competitive NCAA Division III athletics with 24 varsity teams. In addition, the College's business programs are accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Data show that Nichols graduates are in high demand: 95% of recent Nichols graduates are either employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Nichols College has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,265 students. Nichols draws most of its students from the region, with 80% hailing from New England states, but the reach is also broad with 30 states and 10 countries represented in the student population. Seventy-three percent of Nichols undergraduate students identify as white, 11% as Hispanic, 10% as black or African American, and 3% as two or more races. Approximately 73% of Nichols full-time undergraduates live on campus, while 87% of new students, first-years and transfers typically choose to live on campus.

Student life beyond the classroom is a crucial portion of a student's education at Nichols. A large and diverse number of experiences coupled with a growing student body offer each student increased possibilities for student involvement in campus and community affairs.

Students can participate in honors societies, academic organizations, NCAA Division III athletics, intramurals and club sports, student government, general interest organizations, student publications and communications media, community service efforts and more.

Everyone at Nichols “is very friendly and wants to expand their horizons,” which creates “a tight knit community that has each other’s backs.” While “they are an independent people who take every opportunity that they get,” students say that “peers at Nichols … are the epitome of a family.” Members of that family are quick to admit that the school could benefit from more diversity, though, mentioning that the biggest differences come in “between those that play sports and those that are involved with clubs and organizations on campus and those that are strictly academic.” But outside of that, they sing praises of their fellow Nichols Bison, calling them “patient,” “unique,” “intelligent,” “generous,” and “empowering.”

Nichols is located in a town so small that some say “you will need a car to get anywhere interesting.” This isn’t a bad thing for students, however, as they say it leads to a culture that’s “like a huge family” because “everyone knows everyone.” It “doesn’t matter who you are … we are always hanging out or doing homework.” In fact, “when the weather is nice, everyone is on the quad.” Those looking for physical activity can rest easy, as Nichols “offers intramural and club sports that are competitive,” but there are also “a variety of clubs for almost every major.” So, while most students “have classes the majority of the morning and afterwards … do homework or study,” they do use their downtime to “go to a lot of athletic events or club sponsored events.” Additionally, there are “video game tournaments in the dorms at all times,” and students often just “hang out with friends, watch TV, cook, or drive off campus to get food” to pass the time.